Locomotive cleaning apparatus



Nov. 20, 1934. F. w. HILGERINK LOCOMOTIVE CLEANING APPARATUS Filed May 28, 1930 Patented Nov. 20, 1934 LOCOMOTIVE CLEANING APPARATUS Frank M. Hilgerink, Chicago, Ill., assignor to Charles F. Fitts and Harry S. Hart, both of Chicago, Ill.

Application May 28, 1930, Serial No. 456,343

9 Claims.

The invention relates to improvements in apparatus for cleaning surfaces, especially those of locomotives, engines and other vehicles, by rapidly removing therefrom the accumulations of Clust, mud, oily particles and the like with which the parts of vehicles and engines become covered in use.

Apparatus for cleaning such surfaces in extended use at the present time employs a se- 10 ries of water pipes associated with a series of steam pipes whereby water under pressure is heated during it passage through the pipes, and is subsequently conducted to a reservoir containing oil. The cleaning is accomplished by the hot water bearing a suitable content of finely sub-divided cleaning oil which is delivered against the surfaces to be cleaned under conditions which permit the oil to act upon the accumulations of grease and foreign matter reducing them to a condition to be readily borne off by the water as a vehicle, the mixture of water and oil being preferably acted upon by a sub-dividing and energizing blast of air as it issues from a nozzle.

One of the difficulties experienced in cleaning systems of this kind has existed in the care and maintenance required of the apparatus which must be kept thoroughly cleaned and free from matter tending to restrict the flow of water through the heater so as to secure the highest eiiiciency in operation. In some localities the water used is of such a character that upon a continual application of heat precipitates of lime and other substances are formed upon the interior of the water pipes, thus clogging the pipes to such an extent that full heating qualities of the steam is lost. Also the steam pipes as well as the pipes conveying the mixture of hot water and oil become frequently clogged, thus reducing the operative efficiency of the apparatus. To this end one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an eil'ective and novel method for cleaning and ushing out the piping mechanism in cleaning apparatus of the kind described, which will thoroughly remove all precipitates of lime and similar foreign matter without requiring the dismantling of the apparatus.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an effective and novel method for cleaning and flushing out the water and steam pipes, which will make use of a dilute acid solution for dissolving the foreign matter and which will also employ the compressed air supply as a means for physically ejecting the loosened` particles of foreign matter from the pipes.

With these and various other objects in view, the invention may consist of certain novel features of construction and operation, as will be more fully described and particularly pointed out inthe specification, drawing and claims appended hereto,

In the drawing, which illustrates an embodiment of the device and wherein like reference characters are used to designate like parts- Figure 1 is a plan View of a type of cleaning apparatus showing the present invention as applied thereto; and

Figure 2 is an elevational view of a por tion of the cleaning apparatus .comprising the :heating unit and is shown equipped with structure for allowing cleaning in accordance with the present invention.

The preferred form of cleaning apparatus with:

which the present invention is concerned is shown as supported from any suitable form of base 1, which supports a pump 2, operated by a steam driven reciprocating mechanism 3.

The cold water supply has connection with the pipe 4, which conducts the same to the water pump 2 for supplying the water under pressure to the outlet pipe 5. The heater employsl a systemof water pipes, steam pipes and air pipes, the latter serving as an operating medium for the automatic hot water regulator for maintaining the water at an even temperature. Since the various systems include separate and distinct piping arrangement,` the same will be describedseparately.

The water under pressure from pipe 5, Figure 2, is conducted to a connection 6, which is provided with a valve 7. From the connection 6 the water is conducted into a series of horizontally disposed water pipes 8a, 8b and 8C, the pipes 8a and 8b,

by vertical union l0.

ment described with the main drainpipe 18. In i operation the supply of Water from the pump 2 is forced into the various heater pipes 8 by way of the connection 6, the water flowing back and forth until it is conducted to the connection 11 by which time the water will be at its highest temperature.

various pipes and connections is shown by arr in. full lines.

`The course of the water through the ows Yan

l as' Steam is employed for raising the temperature of the Water and is conducted to the apparatus through the main steam pipe 20, provided with cut-off valve 21, the pipe being in turn connected to a vertical manifold 22, which in turn branches off into three vertically disposed heating pipesf24a, 24lo and 24. The steam heating pipes are concentrically disposed within the water pipes 8 and are connected at their opposite end by a second vertical manifold 25. The manifold 25 at its lower end is provided with a connection 26 for collecting the condensate and conducting the same to a conventional form of steam trap 27. From the steam trap the connection 28 serves to conduct the condensate to the main drain pipe 18. The steam supply pipe 20 has connection intermediate its length with a pipe 30 which provides a supplyV of live steam for operating the mechanism 3, serving as a driving means for the Water pump 2, the steam being supplied to the mechanism by connecting pipe 31. The exhaust steam from the driving mechanism is conducted to the main drain 18 through exhaust pipe 32. The direction of flow of the steam through the piping arrangement just described is indicated by van arrow in dotted lines.

Compressed air is supplied to the apparatus through pipe 33 which in turn has connection through a suitable elbow with the air supply pipe 34. The compressedair for use in the present apparatus is conducted through pipe 35`which has connection with the pipe 33, to the thermostatic control ymechanism designated Vin its entirety by 3.6, the 'thermostatic mechanism in turn being op-l eratively'connected to vthe water regulator 37. Tapped into the air pipe35 at any suitable place is a connection 38 which is provided with a valve and hose connection 40.

As previously stated, the cleaning is accomplished by a stream yof hot water which has thoroughly mixed therein finely divided particles of cleaning oil. This mixture of oil and hot water is conducted to thek point of use and is forced upon the sides of the, object being cleaned by air under pressure, the two being united at the nozzle which helps to more thoroughly mix and subdividevthe particles of oil suspended in the water stream. `For this purpose a supply of cleaning oil is stored in the reservoir tank 14, to which is connected the hot water supply pipe 12 as described. Part of this hot water is admitted at the bottom of the tank, the remaining being conducted by pipe 39 to the mixing boxes 41 located on the top of the tank. The oil is forced from vthev tank by pressure of lthe water admitted at the bottom and is ejected into the water stream asv the same is forced through the mixing boxes 41. Connections 42 provided with valves 43 serve to conduct the mixture of hot water and oil to the 'flushed out so as to remove all precipitates of lime and other foreign matter which are deposited `on the interior of the pipes after extended use of the apparatus. A solution of muriatic acid and water, the solution comprising one part of acid to one partl of water, has been found very effective `in removing the crust like formations 'of foreign matter from the interior of the pipes.

However, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the use of any specic acid solution.

For this cleaning and flushing process, the

v present apparatus is provided with an intake plug and a vent-cock 51, both of which are provided on the water pipes. Also valve and hose connections 52, 53 and 54 are provided, wherein, by connecting certain of the hose connections a flow of the acid solution Within the piping arrangement can be secured. The steam pipes are similarly provided with an `intake plug 55 and a vent-cock 56 and valve and hose connections 57 and 58, for the same purpose as described in connection with the water pipes.

In cleaning and flushing out the pip-ing arrangements as described, it is first necessary to cut off the steam supply through valve 2l and drain the water pipes by opening Valve 54, closing of course, in the first instance valve 7 which cuts off the supply of waterfrom the pump 2. The intake plug 50 is then removed and the system vented by opening thev vent-cock 5l. Upon closing the lower valve 54, the acid solution can then be poured into the water pipes through the intake 50. It is desirable to allow the solution to remain in the pipes for a short time so as to loosen the crust like formations and similar deposits on the interior of the pipes. Also steam should be admitted into the steam pipes by opening valve 21 since heating the acid solution materially increases its effect.

The next operation is the flushing out of the pipes which is accomplished by connecting a length of hose to valve 53 and valve 54. The valve 17 should be opened so as to connect the water pipes to the drain 18. .By starting operation of pump 2, water under pressure from pipe 5 will enter the Water system through the valve 53 and valve 54 since the permanent connection is closed by valve 7, thus forcing out the acid solution and removing at the same time the loose particles of fore-ign matter which have beenloosened through the action of the acid. Part of the acid solution will be forced through valve 17 into the drain and the remainder will flow through pipe 12 into the oil tank 14. Thus the next operation after the water pipes have been thoroughly flushed, is to flush and wash out the oil tank and oil and Water service lines.

This is accomplished by closing valve 17, which will force all of the water through the tank from which it is drained by opening the valve 46 in the drain line 45. The course taken by the water during this procedure is from the'pipe 12 to the bottom of the tank 14 whereupon it is divided, part fiowing through the tank, through the mixing boxes 41 and down through the pipe 39, the rest flowing directly through the drain 45. For directing the water through the oil` andy water service lines 42 and 44, it is only necessarytherefore to close the valve 46 and open the valves 43 which will serve to allow the water toescape through the pipe 44. It has been found that even more thorough cleaning of the piping arrangement can be secured by reversing the direction of flow within the pipes 8a, 8b and 8, which can be accomplished by disconnecting the hose connection from the valve 54 and connecting the same to the valve 52, whereupon the operations set out above can' be repeated.'

The present invention also contemplates blowing outthe Various system of pipes just described, after they have been cleaned and flushed out, which operation consists in uncoupling the hose ics lic

Las"

connection from the valves 53 and 52 and connecting the same to the valve 40 and valve 54. Previous to this it is of course necessary to discontinue the supply of steam to the steam pipes, since the same should only be admitted when water is circulating through the water pipes. The valve 40 is directly connected into the air supply line and by opening the valve, supply of air under pressure will be forced through the piping arrangement, which is allowed to escape by opening valve 17. The oil tank and oil and water service lines can also be blown out by closing valve 17, which will direct the air through the tank and through the oil and water service lines, as desired by operation of valve 46 in the tank drain 45.

The operation of the cleaning and flushing mechanism for the steam pipes is substantially similar in all respects to the operation of the cleaning mechanism just described. The system of piping for the steam is provided with an intake plug 55 and vent-cock 56. The solution of muriatic acid and water can be introduced into the pipes through the intake mit steam, which will serve to heat the acid solution to materially increase its effect.

The acid solution is flushed out by connecting a length of hose to the water supply valve 53 and valve 57. In much the same manner as described in connection with the water pipes, pump 2 is started,

which will force a supply of water through the steam pipes, the acid solution being discharged into the main drain 18. After this operation has continued until substantially all the loose particles of foreign matter have been washed away, the system can be blown out with air by uncoupling the hose from valve 53 and connecting the same to the valve 40. Valve 40 is opened and closed intermittently to admit the air under pressure to the steam pipes intermittently as each blast of air serves to loosen and remove the particles of foreign matter which were not removed by flushing of the pipes with water.

It is to be understood that I do not wish to be limited by the exact embodiment of the device shown, which is merely by way of illustration and not limitation, as various and other forms of the device will of course be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the 4spirit of the invention or the scope of the claims.

I claim:

1. In combination with a cleaning device of the character described having a heater comprising Water and steam spaces in heat transferring association, a Source of water supply for said water Space, closable inlet means communicating with the water and steam spaces respectively for admitting a cleaning fluid to said spaces, valved openings communicating with the water space at remote points, other valved openings communicating with the steam space at remote points thereof, and means connected with the source of Water supply and adapted for selective connection with the valved openings, whereby water maybe admitted to the spaces for the purposes of flushing the spaces of the contained cleaning fluid.

2. In combination with a cleaning device of the character described having a heater comprising water and steam spaces in heat transferring association, a source of water supply for saidvwater space, a source of steam supply for said steam space and a drain thereforto receive the condensate, closable inlet means communicating with the steam'space for admitting a cleaning uid thereto, valved openings communicating with the steam space at remote points, and means connecting with the source of water supply and adapted for selective connection with the valved openings, whereby water may be admitted to the steam space to flush the space of the contained cleaning fluid and wash the same into the drain.

3. A method of cleaning a heater having steam and water spaces in heat transferring association, comprising filling said water space with a cleaning uid, allowing said fluid to remain in said space for a length of time, admitting steam to said steam space to heat the cleaning fluid in ther water space, draining said fluid and'simultaneously ushing out said water space by admitting water under pressure.

4. A method of cleaning a heater having steam and water spaces in heat transferring association,4

comprising filling said water space with a cleaning fluid, allowing said fluid to remain in said space for a length of time, admitting steam to said steam space to heat the cleaning fluid in the water space, draining said fluid and simultaneously ushing out said water space by admitting water under pressure, and blowing out said water space by admitting air under pressure.

5. In combination with a cleaning device of the character described having a'heater comprising water and steam spaces in heat transferring association, a tank connected with the water space,

a source for supplying water to the water space,

and a source of air supply under pressure, means for cleaning said heater and tank including clos.- able inlet means communicating with the Water space and other closable inlet means communieating with the steam space, said inlet means being adapted to admit a cleaning fluid to the Water and steam spaces respectively, means connecting with the source of water supply and adapted for selective connection with the water and steam spaces for admitting water thereto to ush the spaces of contained cleaning fluid, a drain con.- necting with said Vwater space having a normally closed valve preventing discharge of water into said drain and said steam space also connectingA with said drain, said tank being so positioned and said connections being so constructed and arranged that cleaning iluid and flushing water may be discharged from the steam space into the drain and 'from the water space into the drain and into said tank, and means for selectively connecting said air supply to the water or steam space for blowing out the remaining water in said spaces, respectively.

6. In combination with a cleaning device of the character described having a heater comprising water and steam spaces in heat transferring association, a tank connected with the water space, a source for supplying water to the water space, and a source of air supply under pressure, means for cleaning said heater and said tank including closable inlet means communicating with the water space and other closable inlet means communicating with the steam space, said inlet means being adapted to admit a cleaning fluid to the water and steam spaces respectively, valved openings communicating with the steam space at remote points, and other valved openings communicating with the water space, means oo nnecting with the source of water supply and 'adapted for selective connection with the valved havinga normally closed valve preventing discharge of the water into said drain and said steam space also connecting with said drain, one of said valved openings being located at the end of the Water space of the heater opposite the end to which the drain is connected said tank being so constructed and arranged that water admitted tov said spaces to flush the contained cleaning uid may be discharged from the steam space into the drain and from the Water space into the drain and into the tank, means for selectively connecting said air supply to the Water or steam space for blowing out the remaining Water in said spaces, respectively.

7. In combination with a cleaning device of the character described having a heater comprising water and steam spaces in heat transferring lassociation, a tank connected with the Water space, a source for supplying water to the Water space, and a source of steam supply for the steam space, means for cleaning said heater and said tank including closable inlet means communicating with the Water space and other closable inlet means communicating with the steam space, said inlet means being adapted to admit a cleaning fluid to the water and steam spaces respectively,

means connecting With the source of Water supply and adapted for selective connection With said spaces for admitting Water to flush the same of the :contained cleaning fluid, a drain connectingr with the. steam space, the connection of the Water space with the tank also being joined to said drain and having a valve for controlling the discharge of water into said drain, said tank being so po- -sitioned and said connection being so constructed and arranged that contained cleaning fluid and flushing water may be discharged from the steam space into'the drain and from the water space into said drain and may be diverted through said tank.

8. In combination with a cleaning device of the character described having a heater comprising Water and steam spaces in heat transferring association, a tank connected with the Water space, a source for supplying Water to the water space, and a source of air supply under pressure, means for cleaning said heater and said tank including closable inlet means communicating with the Water space, and other closable inlet means communicating with the steam space,

said inlet means being adapted to admit a cleaning uid to the Water and steam spaces respectively, means connecting with the source of water supply and adapted for selective connection with said spaces for admitting Water to flush the same of the contained cleaning fluid, a drain connecting with the steam space, the connection n of the water space with the tank alsofbeing joined to said drain and having a valve for controlling the discharge of Water into said drain, said tank being so positioned and said connection being so constructed and arranged that contained cleaning fluid and iiushing water may be discharged from the steam space into the drain and `from the Water space into said drain and may be diverted through said tank, and means-for selectively connecting said air supply to the Water or steam space for blowing out the remaining Water in said spaces, respectively.

9. In combination with a cleaning device of the character described having a heater comprising Water and steam spaces in heat transferring association, a tank connected With the water space, asource for supplying Water to the Water space, and a source of air supply under pressure, means for cleaning said heater and tank including closable inlet means communicating with the Water space and other closable inletmeans communicating with the steam space, said inlet means being adapted to admit a cleaning fluid to the water and steam spaces respectively, valved openings communicating with the steam space and Water space respectively, means connecting with the source of Water supply and adapted for selective connection with the valved openings for flushing said spaces of the contained fluid, a drain connecting with the steam space, the connection between said water space and tank also being joined to the drain and having a valve for controlling the discharge to the drain, said tank being so positioned and said connection being so constructed and arranged that the contained cleaning iiuid and flushing water may be discharged from the steam space into the drain and from the Water space into the drain and may be diverted through said tank, and means for selectively connecting said air supply to the Water or steamv space for blowing out the remaining Water in said spaces, respectively.

FRANK M. HILGERINK. 

